Docking station, and method, apparatus and medium for controlling docking station
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing docking stations for sweeping robots have poor accuracy in dirtiness detection, leading to ineffective cleaning operations.
Innovation Solution
A docking station equipped with a water softener on the clean water path and a dirtiness detection module comprising first and second conductivity sensors, where the processor determines dirtiness information based on conductivity readings from both paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dirtiness detection module is provided on the docking station, then the cleaning effect of the sweeping robot is improved, but the accuracy of dirtiness detection is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The dirtiness detection is segmented into two separate detection paths: a clean water path with a first conductivity sensor and a wastewater path with a second conductivity sensor. By dividing the detection into multiple independent channels and comparing results, the system achieves more accurate dirtiness measurement than single-point detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the detection parameter from single-point conductivity measurement to differential conductivity measurement between clean and wastewater paths. By measuring and comparing conductivity values from both paths, the system accurately determines dirtiness information, resolving the contradiction between detection capability and measurement precision.
2Reliability
If a water softener is provided on the clean water path, then the cleaning effect is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The water softener is integrated into the existing clean water path of the docking station, allowing the same water supply system to serve both cleaning operations and dirtiness detection functions. This multi-functional integration enhances cleaning effect while minimizing additional structural complexity.
3Measurement precision
If conductivity sensors are installed in both clean water and wastewater paths, then dirtiness detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductivity sensors act as intermediary measurement devices that indirectly detect dirtiness by measuring electrical conductivity differences between clean and wastewater paths. This indirect measurement approach achieves high detection accuracy without requiring complex direct observation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor compares conductivity detection results from both paths to determine dirtiness information, creating a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors and evaluates cleaning effectiveness. This comparative feedback system improves measurement precision while maintaining manageable system complexity through algorithmic processing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution improves the accuracy of dirtiness detection and subsequent cleaning operations, enhancing the cleaning effect and user experience by utilizing softened water and precise conductivity measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a water softener is provided on the clean water path
Implementation Method 2
a first conductivity sensor is provided in the clean water path
Implementation Method 3
a second conductivity sensor is provided in the wastewater path
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A docking station includes a station body (1) and a dirtiness detection module. The station body (1) is provided with a clean water path and a wastewater path, where the clean water path is configured to provide clean water to a cleaning device (2), the wastewater path is configured to discharge wastewater in the station body (1), and a water softener (11) is provided on the clean water path. The dirtiness detection module includes a first conductivity sensor, a second conductivity sensor and a processor, where the first conductivity sensor is provided in the clean water path and located downstream of the water softener (11), the second conductivity sensor is provided in the wastewater path, and the processor is configured to determine dirtiness information based on detection results of the first conductivity sensor and the second conductivity sensor.